2021 Audi A6

While operating the vehicle under normal driving conditions, the vehicle suffered an immediate, un-commanded loss of engine power and throttle response. The vehicle displayed a critical dashboard restriction stating: “Maximum engine speed 2500 RPM”, forcing an emergency limp-home mode that instantly created a roadway collision hazard. Simultaneously, the vehicle's primary safety and convenience systems dropped completely offline, displaying synchronized, consecutive malfunction alerts for the Central Locking System, Audi Pre Sense (Distance Monitoring), Cross Traffic Assist, and Lane Change/Blind Spot Warning systems. A subsequent professional diagnostic scan confirmed that the vehicle's Engine Control Unit (ECU) has hard-logged active manufacturer fault codes P310A (Low Fuel Pressure Regulation - Fuel Pressure Fluctuates) and P310B (Low Pressure Fuel Regulation - Fuel Pressure Outside Specification). These synchronized electrical and drivetrain failures occur intermittently, yet have specifically occurred multiple times following exposure to moisture, including rainfall, winter slush, and standard car washes. The identical electrical system dropouts were officially reported to two authorized Audi dealership service centers during its active warranty window, but the underlying system failures remain uncorrected, leaving a recurring safety hazard unaddressed.

NHTSA ID

11765960

Incident

Sep 10, 2026

The vehicle went in for a software update. After purchasing the vehicle, the software update was part of a recall. Since that recall was performed, my vehicle has a lot of electronic glitches and a lot of issues. My external Morty just got done, paying $4500 to track down a central locking issue on top of the electronic issues. Did not fix the issue. I am out of town going to see family in California. The vehicle central locking air came back up. I could not get out of the vehicle lock and unlock went out work. Also, the door handles would not work me and my daughter had to climb out of the car windows to get out. So like, you know what? And then we had to try to access the battery compartment to do a hard reset. The vehicle is scheduled to go back to the manufacturer dealer to look at it again next week. However, I will be contacting audi u s a again. Since I told him I had all these issues, they refused to help me out in any way. This is a very big safety issue.

NHTSA ID

11762289

Incident

Sep 4, 2026

My 2021 Audi A6 produces a strong mold and mildew odor from the HVAC/air conditioning system. The smell occurs consistently after the air conditioning is turned off and persists when entering the vehicle. The issue appears to originate from mold growth on the evaporator coil or dampers, likely caused by moisture accumulation and inadequate condensate drainage in the HVAC system. The vehicle was inspected and treated at an authorized Audi dealership; however, the treatment did not resolve the issue and the odor returned. Online owner forums and communities document the same problem across multiple Audi models and model years, suggesting this is a systemic design or manufacturing issue rather than an isolated incident. A passenger in the vehicle — a minor child with a documented mold allergy — has experienced allergic reactions as a result of exposure to the vehicle's air conditioning output. This constitutes a health and safety concern. The mold contamination in the HVAC system poses a risk to vehicle occupants, particularly those with respiratory conditions or mold sensitivities. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate whether a defect exists in the HVAC/evaporator system design across Audi vehicles, and whether a safety recall or technical service bulletin is warranted.

NHTSA ID

11738142

Incident

Apr 1, 2026

The contact owns a 2021 Audi A6. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle overheated. The engine overheating and the low coolant warning light illuminated. In addition, the engine seized. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a coolant leak and a failed coolant pump vacuum. The contact was informed that the coolant pump vacuum assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. In addition, the contact was informed that the failure was a known failure of the vehicle. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline and report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.

NHTSA ID

11736958

Incident

Mar 10, 2026

Mileage

80,000 mi

Thermostat housing and oil cooler bracket leaking coolant with only 56k miles on the car

NHTSA ID

11736875

Incident

May 5, 2026

I was driving my vehicle when the engine surged and then a transmission warning light came on and there was an immediate and complete loss of drive power. After the vehicle glided to a stop, there was no drive transmission in either forward or reverse. There was no pre-warning and no earlier incidence that led up to this issue. The vehicle is five years old with 39,834 miles and has had all routine maintenance and mileage interval services performed at the dealership, including its recent (Dec-25) 40,000-mile service. Thankfully this complete failure occurred when I was in my neighborhood and travelling 20mph; otherwise, the results could have been catastrophic had it occurred on a multilane highway at speeds of 65-70 MPH. The vehicle was towed to Audi of Indianapolis where the issue was identified as one broken bolt and two loose bolts for the transmission filter cap. This matches a known Audi Issue with a Technical Service Bulletin issued December 13, 2024, where they acknowledge a complete loss of power and a root cause of broken/loose bolts in the transmission filter. This is a known issue and is happening on low mileage well serviced vehicles. Because this issue is known and could result in a severe accident and/or loss of life under high-speed multi-lane highway conditions, it seems Audi of America should issue a recall versus just a TSB and/or extend the warranty for this issue up to 10 years or 100,000 miles which would, perhaps, be considered a normal lifespan for a part.

NHTSA ID

11730290

Incident

Apr 4, 2026

My alternator was not working and it was a recall and I paid to fix it and they don’t wanna pay me back. I got a new part from audi and fix it at the shop and they don’t wanna pay anything just called and she said we don’t pay only if he’s done at the dealer. And I don’t believe that! Bc dealer told me they pay if I fix it any where to get done quick bc was out stock

NHTSA ID

11720235

Incident

Feb 18, 2025

While driving at normal speed, the entire digital instrument panel suddenly went black and a red warning triangle appeared. I lost all gauges, including speedometer, fuel level, and warning indicators. This created a serious safety risk because I was in active traffic and had no way to know my speed or see alerts. My VIN shows an open recall for this exact defect (instrument cluster blackout), but the failure has already happened during normal driving. I consider the vehicle unsafe to drive until repaired.

NHTSA ID

11703548

Incident

Dec 7, 2025

This bulletin provides general information about the current tpp issues for Audi connect.

This bulletin provides information when the horn sound quality is poor.

This bulletin provides informaitn when there is a warning messsage; "Instrument cluster: fault. Limited warning messages. Please contact workshop"; DTC B200096.

This bulletin provides information when there is corrosion on the friction survace of steel brake discs.

This bulletin provides information when there is an issue with wireless charging/wireless charging is not working.

This TSB describes a corrosion issue due to outside influence and the prohibition of warranty in these cases.